The Maker City monthly blog takes a look at locations where makers are found in The Maker City and features some of Knoxville area’s outstanding makers – artists, crafters and so much more. This month’s blog features Whimsy & A Dream, a shop where you can find many local and regional makers, and features the 865 Candle Company, whose products are sold in that space.
How did Whimsy & A Dream get started?
Sutton says: Jessi is a silversmith and I’m a potter. We’ve both done markets for many years. We both dreamt of time when our things were just there, instead of having to break them down and move them. We dreamt of a place where people could have a permanent home for their work. We rented the building in February 2020 - before we knew it was gonna get crazy - it was a little bit ironic. We opened a brick and mortar to get away from online sales. We announced the big news to our artists, and the day we picked for our opening was actually the day that the city closed down. But people were really supportive, especially in that year of small business.
What types of items are available?
Handmade local things, vintage treasures that we find. Wholesale and treasures that we don’t find locally. All small-made things. We both are very passionate about reusing and giving life to old vintage things.
Who are some of the artists whose work can be found at Whimsy & A Dream?
Jessi Wacker, Tree Lovers Co.
Lacey Sutton, Sutton Ceramics
Olivia Bridges, The Weaving Rainbow
Sarah Dorr Ceramics
865 Candle Company
Emily Edwards, Buffalo Betty Trading Co.
Mudpuppy Moon by Courtney Farquharson
David Einwechter, Dogwood Carpentry
Mel Mullins, Knox Girl Soap
Tonya Rea’s Tea and Remedies
and much more!
Where can people find you?
2608 Sutherland Ave
Instagram - @whimsyandadream
How did 865 Candle Company get started?
After making candles as wedding favors for our October 2017 wedding, our friends and family wanted more. Many inquired about buying our candles. In the months following our wedding, we couldn't blow out this flickering idea of having our candles burn in homes just like yours. We held an adoption fundraiser for our daughter and son-in-law, which led to more interest and more voices telling to create a candlelit dream. In March 2018, 865 Candle Company was established in Knoxville. 865 is our area code and intentionally spells VOL. We love our local community and our volunteer spirit!
Who does what?
Torrie is the brains of the operation and handles things that relate to numbers. A.J. is the face, heart, and personality of 865 Candle Company. She manages the day-to-day, runs the roads getting tasks done, and is in charge of making sure everyone is where they should be each day.
“My name is Anjannette but most call me A.J. unless you’re from the north and they call me Angie. I like to think of myself as the creative, artistic one of the business. My brain is firing in 20 directions all day long.”
What types of items are available?
We offer soy candles, wax melts, room sprays, car fresheners, incense cones, aromatherapy inhalers, and hand salves.
Where can people find you? www.865candlecompany.com
Instagram and Facebook: @865candlecompany
Knoxville Soap Candle & Gifts, 714 S. Gay Street
Whimsy & A Dream, 2608 Sutherland Avenue
RALA, 112 West Jackson Avenue
Saints & Sailors, 1531 N. Central
Sunago Coffee, 10736 Hardin Valley Road
Louisville Mercantile in Louisville and Maryville
Author
The Maker City
The Maker City is the greater Knoxville-area community of makers, artists, creatives, and small-scale manufacturers and supporting entities. Led by the Mayor’s Maker Council, we create collaborative partnerships, programming, and opportunities in support of Knoxville’s maker community. For more info, visit us at http://themakercity.org/. Makers featured in this space can be found in The Maker City’s online directory. Posts written by Carol Z. Shane.
